STARLUX commits to Viasat with launch of “enhanced IFC”
STARLUX is launching “enhanced inflight connectivity service” as part of an expanded relationship with Viasat, the Ka-band geostationary satellite operator and aero ISP reveals. “The phased rollout of Viasat’s high-speed, reliable inflight Wi-Fi service will span STARLUX’s entire active fleet,” says Viasat in a statement. “In total, 48 aircraft, including Airbus A330-900s, A321neos, A350-900 and... The post STARLUX commits to Viasat with launch of “enhanced IFC” appeared first on Runway Girl.
STARLUX is launching “enhanced inflight connectivity service” as part of an expanded relationship with Viasat, the Ka-band geostationary satellite operator and aero ISP reveals.
“The phased rollout of Viasat’s high-speed, reliable inflight Wi-Fi service will span STARLUX’s entire active fleet,” says Viasat in a statement.
“In total, 48 aircraft, including Airbus A330-900s, A321neos, A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft will install or transition to Viasat’s most advanced connectivity system, based on the ViaSat-3 compatible and multi-orbit ready high-performance GM-40 terminal solution. The rollout will encompass both factory installs and expedited retrofits.”
GM-40 is Viasat’s traditional gimbaled antenna terminal, supporting high-capacity Ka-band IFC. Financial terms of the firm’s agreement with STARLUX have not been disclosed.
STARLUX’s current Wi-Fi service is powered by Viasat’s Global Xpress (formerly Inmarsat GX) and was previously managed by aero ISP SITAONAIR (which has exited the cabin connectivity market.)
Given Viasat’s disclosure that these STARLUX aircraft will be installed with a “ViaSat-3 compatible and multi-orbit ready high-performance GM-40 terminal solution”, RGN asked if the kit will be inclusive of the dual modem modman discussed by Viasat in 2024. A DMM would be able to accommodate, for example, the addition of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) service, supporting multi-orbit GEO/LEO satcom. (Viasat is, after all, in talks with Telesat for future Lightspeed capacity.)
“We have been able to unlock capacity across the network without the DMM,” reveals Viasat’s senior vice president and GM, Commercial Aviation, Don Buchman.
He continues, “STARLUX is relying on capacity from various owned and partner satellites in the region, including GX6A for east Asian routes and ViaSat-3 F1 on transpacific routes entering that satellite’s coverage area. Over time, VS3 F3, GX, and third-party satellites will be added as part of the available network. These ongoing upgrades and installations of the GM-40 do not yet include a dual modem modman.”
Elsewhere in Viasat’s statement, the Carlsbad, California-based firm says its high-capacity Ka-band satellite network over the Asia-Pacific region is expected to “soon include one of Viasat’s next generation ViaSat-3 satellites”, enabling passengers on STARLUX flights “to stream their favorite movies and shows, browse the internet, stay connected with loved ones through messaging apps, and maintain productivity while traveling onboard any STARLUX aircraft.”
Asked by RGN if Viasat has a timeline to share about the launch of the aforementioned Asia-Pacific satellite, known as ViaSat-3 F3, or if we must wait for Viasat’s earning’s conference call, Buchman said, “Since the satellite schedule is considered material to our business, those updates are made during earnings calls as you’ve noted.”
Initially, Viasat-enabled STARLUX aircraft will service major Asian transport hubs, including the carrier’s Taipei hub, plus Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Manila, Macau, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Hong Kong.
“Viasat is proud to partner with STARLUX, an airline that shares our passion for innovation and customer satisfaction,” says Buchman.
“Through this expanded relationship, we look forward to not only providing high quality connectivity, but a comprehensive solution with the capability and flexibility to empower STARLUX to create an advanced, refined connected experience that suits its ambitions and goals.”
Related Articles:
- Viasat favors of IFC kit for interoperability of Ka satellite assets
- Viasat in advanced talks with Telesat for Lightspeed capacity
- Starlux codeshare with Alaska Airlines covers eight domestic routes
- How Starlux delivers one of the best premium experiences around
- Starlux leans into branding and heritage to deliver top-notch PaxEx
Featured image credited to STARLUX
The post STARLUX commits to Viasat with launch of “enhanced IFC” appeared first on Runway Girl.
